Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, a mecha anime phenomenon that took the early 2000s by storm, has returned to the silver screen with a bang. SEED FREEDOM, the first new movie in over two decades, not only boasts a brand new story but also throws in plenty of nostalgic nods to the beloved TV series.
But one question resurfaces more the the others- what does Destiny Plan in Gundam SEED Freedom mean?
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The Premise of SEED and DESTINY
To understand the Destiny Plan’s significance, we need to rewind to the events of SEED. This series depicts a future where humanity is fractured. Coordinators, genetically enhanced humans with superior mental and physical capabilities, live alongside Naturals, the unmodified population.
This difference breeds tension, culminating in a full-blown war between the Coordinator-dominated ZAFT forces and the Natural-led Earth Alliance. Thrust into the heart of this conflict is Kira Yamato, a young Coordinator living in the neutral nation of Orb. Kira’s journey as a mobile suit pilot is one of friendship, loss, and the unwavering pursuit of peace. He grapples with fighting against his childhood friend Athrun Zala, a Coordinator soldier for ZAFT, highlighting the human cost of war.
SEED DESTINY takes place years after the original series, with a renewed conflict and a new protagonist, Shinn Asuka, a vengeful Coordinator orphaned during the previous war. As the story unfolds, ZAFT Chairman Gilbert Durandal unveils his ultimate solution to end all conflict – the Destiny Plan.
The Destiny Plan: A Utopia or Dystopia?
At its core, the Destiny Plan involves a comprehensive genetic analysis of all humanity. This analysis aims to determine the ideal occupation or role for each individual based on their genetic makeup. The goal? To eliminate the very factors that lead to war – differences in ideology, social standing, and career aspirations. In this envisioned future, everyone would be assigned a specific role based on their genetic predisposition, creating a seemingly harmonious and conflict-free society.
But is this utopia truly attainable? Kira and his allies fiercely oppose the Destiny Plan, viewing it as a dystopian vision. They believe that forcing people into predetermined roles robs them of their free will and the chance to forge their own destinies. The plan extinguishes the very spark of hope and dreams that drives humanity forward.
Destiny Plan in Gundam SEED FREEDOM Explained
While Kira and his friends thwarted the Destiny Plan in DESTINY, the echoes of its ideology reverberate in SEED FREEDOM. The movie is a testament to the enduring human struggle for freedom. The title itself, “SEED FREEDOM,” carries significant weight, representing the characters’ ongoing fight for the right to choose their own paths and determine their futures.
The three main characters, Kira, Athrun, and Shinn, all pilot different machines, mirroring their journeys in the TV series. Each switch symbolizes a change, a choice, and most importantly, the freedom to adapt and evolve.
Kira’s progression from the Strike Freedom to the Mighty Strike Freedom signifies his unwavering commitment to fighting for a better future. Similarly, Athrun’s surprising appearance in the Z’Gok and piloting the upgraded Infinite Justice Gundam Type 2 showcases his resourcefulness and adaptability.
The emotional connection established with these mobile suits during the TV series is further deepened in SEED FREEDOM. The movie doesn’t simply introduce flashy new machines; it plays on the audience’s existing attachment to these symbols of the characters’ journeys.
SEED FREEDOM is More Than Just Mecha Action
While the dazzling mobile suit battles are undoubtedly a highlight, SEED FREEDOM offers something deeper. It delves into the complexities of human nature, reminding us that true peace cannot be achieved by dictating destinies but by fostering understanding and allowing individuals the freedom to forge their own paths. The movie rewards viewers who have experienced the original TV series, building upon established lore and emotional connections.
However, the story remains accessible to newcomers, offering a compelling entry point into the vast Gundam universe.